NTT Police Uncover 27 Cases of Subsidised Fuel Mafia
The Nusa Tenggara Timur Regional Police (Polda NTT) continues to crack down on the misuse of subsidised fuel oil (BBM), which has long disadvantaged the public. From February to May 2026, Polda NTT successfully handled 27 cases of subsidised BBM misuse.
This handling indicates the presence of an illegal network operating in an organised manner over a specific period in NTT Province. NTT Police Chief Irjen Rudi Darmoko emphasised that uncovering these cases is a concrete step by Polda NTT to break the chain of the energy mafia, which causes fuel shortages.
“Polda NTT has mapped around 40 individuals who could potentially become suspects. Some have been designated, and legal processes are ongoing. Polda NTT investigators continue to deepen the probe with expert support to ensure comprehensive case handling,” he stated in a press release in Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026).
According to him, the results of the case handling by Polda NTT suggest that the misuse has been occurring for about three years. Rudi noted that the total subsidised BBM misused amounts to nearly 2,900 tons.
The findings also show that the misuse pattern was carried out systematically and on a fairly large scale. Rudi conveyed that Polda NTT also enforces the law without favouritism, including against its own members.
Two police officers have been designated as suspects and detained since 24 April 2026, namely Iptu HPD as Danki 4 Batalion B Pelopor Satbrimob Polda NTT, and Aipda DGL as Kanit Paminal Polres Manggarai Timur. “This step is part of the commitment to maintain institutional integrity,” said Rudi.
The Head of Public Relations Division of Polda NTT, Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, explained that they do not tolerate any violations, including by officials. Firm sanctions will be imposed, from ethical codes to criminal penalties.
“The two personnel designated as suspects are currently undergoing ethical code hearings as a form of commitment to maintaining public trust,” said Henry. The handling by Polda NTT also identified various modi operandi used by the perpetrators.